For “Fiscal” Session, Lot of Non-Budget Items Filed

Legislature, ,

Four years ago, Arkansans approved a ballot issue authorizing the Arkansas Legislature to meet every year instead of every other year.

The idea was that lawmakers would use sessions during odd-number years to pass legislation and outline fiscal policy, and meet during the even-number years (like this year) to focus exclusively on the state’s budget and make fiscal appropriations. The past two years, that has worked just fine. This year, however, things are a little different.

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Public Comment Period for Religion in Preschools Rule

Religious Freedom,

Some of you have most likely been following a recent case here in Arkansas involving religious activities at preschools that receive state funding. Americans United for Separation of Church and State complained to the state about Rep. Justin Harris’ preschool, Growing God’s Kingdom, which receives state funding, and is seeking to ban religious activities from such facilities in Arkansas.

The state Department of Human Services has proposed a rule that would do just that, but the state Board of Education is allowing for a 30-day public comment period first.

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